Battle Demon

Jacob stood among his fellow soldiers, the tension thick in the air as they watched the advancing Norlik forces. The first light of dawn cast long shadows, and the chill of the early morning only added to the unease. The Empire of Norlik was a formidable enemy, known for its brutal tactics and sheer ruthlessness. The sight that greeted Jacob's eyes was both sobering and terrifying.

At the front of the Norlik army were rows of slaves, their bodies gaunt and clothes tattered. They moved with a resigned, almost mechanical motion, wielding rusted swords and battered shields. Behind them, the true strength of the Norlik forces marched in disciplined lines. The real warriors of the Empire, clad in gleaming black armor, carried sharp, deadly weapons that gleamed in the dawn light. Tall red banners bearing the Empire's crest fluttered ominously in the breeze, a stark reminder of the enemy's power.

The slaves were meant to be cannon fodder for reducing the army's endurance

As Jacob took his place in the formation, he felt a familiar, soothing presence in his mind. Nova, the AI chip implanted in his brain, was ready to assist.

"Nova , show stats now " he whispered

'Showing host stats...'

[Name: Jacob Mallory

Status: healthy

- Strength: 3.4

- Agility: 1.7

- Endurance: 1.3

- Mana: ???

Skills: Basic Swordsmanship LvMax]

"My abilities have seen significant improvement after three weeks of intense training. Endurance, once my greatest challenge, now rivals that of a beginner athlete. In fact, all my other stats exceed the average for adult males in this world, particularly my strength and sword skills." Jacob exclaimed with confidence, wanting to test his new strength . "Additionally, I must delve into books to grasp the fundamentals of mana—the very essence of learning magic."

For the past three weeks, Nova had guided Jacob not only in his swordsmanship but also in mastering the use of his hidden weapons. Each night, after the grueling day's training, Jacob had spent hours practicing with the small, concealable projectiles. He had honed his wrist muscles to flick the finger-sized arrows with precision and force, perfecting his aim until he could strike a target with deadly accuracy.

As the Norlik forces approached, Serath raised his sword, signaling his squad men to prepare. "Hold the line!" he commanded, his voice carrying over the field. "We fight for our land, for our families. Show no fear!"

The clash began with the sound of metal meeting metal, the front lines of both armies colliding with a thunderous roar. Jacob found himself face to face with a Norlik slave, the man's eyes hollow with despair. With a swift, precise movement, Jacob parried the slave's clumsy strike and countered, his sword finding its mark. The slave fell, and Jacob moved on, his focus unyielding.

The battle raged around him, a chaotic symphony of clashing swords, shouts, and the cries of the wounded. Nova's guidance was invaluable, her analytical abilities providing split-second recommendations on positioning and movements.

"Incoming from the left," Nova warned.

Jacob spun, his sword meeting the blade of another slave. He quickly dispatched the attacker and then noticed a group of Norlik knights pushing forward, their dark armor intimidating. He felt the first pangs of fear, but Nova's voice steadied him.

" Host. Use the hidden weapons now."

He reached into his armor, fingers finding the concealed projectiles. With a practiced flick of his wrist, he sent one of the arrows flying. It struck a knight in the gap between his helmet and breastplate, the man dropping instantly. Jacob wasted no time, launching another arrow at a second knight, the weapon finding its mark with lethal precision.

Serath's voice rang out over the din of battle, rallying the troops. "Hold your ground! Push them back!"

fueled by adrenaline, Jacob fought with renewed vigor. His sword was an extension of his arm, his strikes precise and deadly. The hidden weapons added an unpredictable element to his attacks, catching the Norlik warriors off guard.

The tide of the battle began to shift. The slaves, forced into the front lines with no morals, were no match for the trained soldiers of Jacob's unit. As the knights and warriors of the Norlik Empire pressed forward, they were met with fierce resistance. The disciplined formation of Serath's troops held strong, each soldier fighting with the desperation and determination of men defending their homes.

Jacob's movements became almost automatic, each swing of his sword and flick of his wrist guided by Nova's tactical brilliance. He felt a deep connection to his comrades, each of them relying on one another to survive the onslaught. The battle was brutal, the ground littered with the fallen, but they fought on.

Hours seemed to blur into moments as the fighting continued. The Norlik forces, relentless in their assault, began to falter under the sheer determination and skill of Serath's men. The enemy knights, once a terrifying sight, were now being driven back, their ranks breaking under the pressure.

Breathing heavily and covered in grime and blood, Jacob felt a surge of pride. He had fought bravely, and the guidance from Nova proved invaluable. Now, he was seen as a Battle Demon—any who approached him fell in less than five seconds, either by his fluid sword skills or through a well-placed hidden weapon.

As he looked around at his fellow soldiers, he knew that this was just the beginning.

The respite was brief. As Jacob and his comrades started to regroup, a new sound rose above the clamor of battle—a deep, resonant rumble that sent shivers down their spines. The ground trembled beneath their feet, and all eyes turned toward the horizon. There, emerging from the morning mist, was the Norlik Empire's cavalry.

"Shit the Norliks are pushing hard," Jacob muttered to himself, eyes narrowing as he watched their disciplined ranks march forward. "They want to end this quickly."